I like him too. I think he did well at WBA and has done well with Chelsea so far. I am not sure that Guardiola's skills necessarily transfer to Chelsea. The concern that I think Chelsea's management must have about dI Matteo is whether he is sufficiently pragmatic and/or flexible to succeed consistently in the way they want.

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I'm with you, bringing Guardiola in is a risk. He had a great record at Barcelona, but i'm sure most managers would with the players he had to work with. Barcelona are also his club, they are like a family and everyone gets the same philosophy taught to them from a very young age.

I'm not really sure it would work at Chelsea if i'm honest. Di Matteo is like our own version and I believe a better fit. He's young, knows what the fans want as he is one himself, plays attractive football, the players respect him etc.. I think he just needs to be given the players he needs, obviously he needs a striker, and a couple of midfielders with Essien and Meireles leaving, Lampard is going to need to be replaced.

Guardiola had everything he wanted at Barcelona, Abramovich should give Di Matteo what he needs to get the job done here.

So Abramovich doesn't think Falcao is worth the price tag. Does he really expect Atletico to sell for less, or the same price as they got the player for? Madness!

He was happy to pay £50 Million for someone who was always overrated, but not £45 Million for the best striker on the planet. This is not good news.

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I'd actually go for Soldado if he doesn't want to spend 45 million +. Did you see his strike against Athletico at the weekend? Awesome goal. Soldado is young enough, finishes well, creates, and can pass.

I'd actually go for Soldado if he doesn't want to spend 45 million +. Did you see his strike against Athletico at the weekend? Awesome goal. Soldado is young enough, finishes well, creates, and can pass.

Nice! I still think that we need a couple of strikers, probably 2 and Lukaku for next season. Sturridge will probably go, and it's probably time to move Torres on.

They talk about Remy, Schurrle and Martinez, which is fine. A world class striker and one of those, with Lukaku is probably the way to go. Falcao is the best in the world, there aren't many arguments there. If they would rather pay £10 Million less and get Cavani as the main man then that's an option, but a top man with a lesser striker who is comfortable off the bench and Lukaku seems like the right thing to do.

Nice! I still think that we need a couple of strikers, probably 2 and Lukaku for next season. Sturridge will probably go, and it's probably time to move Torres on.

They talk about Remy, Schurrle and Martinez, which is fine. A world class striker and one of those, with Lukaku is probably the way to go. Falcao is the best in the world, there aren't many arguments there. If they would rather pay £10 Million less and get Cavani as the main man then that's an option, but a top man with a lesser striker who is comfortable off the bench and Lukaku seems like the right thing to do.

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It definitely is time for Torres to move on, perhaps we could send him somewhere with cash in hand for someone else? Sturridge will go too, I actually think he should go abroad. Italy perhaps? Soldado would fit the bill for striker, I think he'd come cheap. And I have always loved the way Valencia play, he'd feel right at home with Mata peppering balls into the box for him. Hell, maybe we could send Torres to Barcelona for Villa? That would be awesome, Villa is amazing.

As for midfield, I think you're right when you point out those three. Who else is out there, maybe Gundogan as you've said before, maybe the Bender twins, Badstuber perhaps? Hell, we could probably get M'Villa on the cheap now that he's been crap this season and the Arsenal interest never came to fruition, and he's still a good player.

It definitely is time for Torres to move on, perhaps we could send him somewhere with cash in hand for someone else? Sturridge will go too, I actually think he should go abroad. Italy perhaps? Soldado would fit the bill for striker, I think he'd come cheap. And I have always loved the way Valencia play, he'd feel right at home with Mata peppering balls into the box for him. Hell, maybe we could send Torres to Barcelona for Villa? That would be awesome, Villa is amazing.

As for midfield, I think you're right when you point out those three. Who else is out there, maybe Gundogan as you've said before, maybe the Bender twins, Badstuber perhaps? Hell, we could probably get M'Villa on the cheap now that he's been crap this season and the Arsenal interest never came to fruition, and he's still a good player.

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Soldado is certainly an option, whenever i've seen him he seems to be a threat in the air, which we don't really have and it would be a good option. Jackson has scored goals wherever he's played, South America, Porto and Internationally too.

Personally i'd like to see Falcao, Remy or Jackson and Lukaku as the 3 strikers. As for the 3 midfielders to replace Essien, Meireles and Lampard.. that's a bit trickier. I hear Busquets wants to experience a different league, if Guardiola comes then it would make sense. As for the other two, Cabaye is like a quality version of Meireles and Newcastle would probably struggle to keep all of their big players for another season. The last one i'd probably go with someone younger like Gundogan, absolutely. Those 3 and Mikel and Ramires makes sense to me, as it stands we only have Mikel, Ramires and Lampard in the middle, which isn't enough to be playing 3 games a week for the majority of the season.

We've seen that whilst we have a great first XI, the depth is a bit short in certain areas (striker and midfield). Half of the team who played in the League Cup had to play again at the weekend, whilst only Rafael did so for Man Utd.

Does last night signal the end for Mancini? Should it signal the the end?

TBH, considering his mind-boggling resources, ie the unlimited funds he's had to draw on, and his utter lack of progress in the CL, I'd trade him in for a Guardiola, or a Mourinho, or may be even a Redknapp (okay, joking a bit, but he did equip himself pretty well with Spurs in the CL), or someone of proven CL pedigree.

Whatever, last night was the first I've really seen of City in Europe this season and (understatement) I thought they were highly disappointing.

Pleased with the win today aswell, only just finished watching as i've been at the O2 all day. Moses popping up with the last kick of the game was a nice touch it was a great game all round, it's going to be a shame to see one of Juventus, Chelsea and Shakhtar not make it through.

Does last night signal the end for Mancini? Should it signal the the end?

TBH, considering his mind-boggling resources, ie the unlimited funds he's had to draw on, and his utter lack of progress in the CL, I'd trade him in for a Guardiola, or a Mourinho, or may be even a Redknapp (okay, joking a bit, but he did equip himself pretty well with Spurs in the CL), or someone of proven CL pedigree.

Whatever, last night was the first I've really seen of City in Europe this season and (understatement) I thought they were highly disappointing.

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Dominated the game really apart from the atrocious defending on corners once again and should have had another goal and a penalty. near the end.

Still not really good enough though, Ajax are decent but very beatable as were Napoli last year and no wins from 4 attempts is a huge disappointment.

Dominated the game really apart from the atrocious defending on corners once again and should have had another goal and a penalty. near the end.

Still not really good enough though, Ajax are decent but very beatable as were Napoli last year and no wins from 4 attempts is a huge disappointment.

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I'm really not sure what's happening with City. Mancini certainly has to take some of the blame, but it seems like the players either don't have the experience, or the right attitude. Chelsea for instance, it was a really tough match today but they knew what they had to do to get a positive result, same as they did last year when it got tough.

I suppose it's hard to get experience as a team at this level quickly, but for whatever reason it's not happening. The fact they keep going out early means their ranking will stay low and the chances of a tough group again next year will be high, that makes it even more difficult.

Reminds me of when Rubin Kazan showed up to the Nou Camp, won, and then tied at home to go through. Amazing feat.

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True! Barcelona are probably just a bit complacent, which can happen with a very easy group on paper. Man Utd fell into the trap last year, they got an easy group again this year but have done well to keep their focus.

I'm really not sure what's happening with City. Mancini certainly has to take some of the blame, but it seems like the players either don't have the experience, or the right attitude. Chelsea for instance, it was a really tough match today but they knew what they had to do to get a positive result, same as they did last year when it got tough.

I suppose it's hard to get experience as a team at this level quickly, but for whatever reason it's not happening. The fact they keep going out early means their ranking will stay low and the chances of a tough group again next year will be high, that makes it even more difficult.

True! Barcelona are probably just a bit complacent, which can happen with a very easy group on paper. Man Utd fell into the trap last year, they got an easy group again this year but have done well to keep their focus.

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I'm hesitant to bring up the experience issue as neither Napoli's nor Dortmund's squads have any more European experience than ours, in fact player for player we have a lot more with experience (Dzeko, Tevez, Aguero, Silva, Garcia, Balo, Yaya, Clichy, Nasri..) and Mancini has more in Europe than a lot of managers, not to mention we've been competing in at least Europa Leage since 2008 where interestingly enough we made it further in that attempt than our last two tries.

Will be interesting see if he can improve the performances, he probably has one more shot next year and if we underachieve again it's probably over like it was at Inter.

I'm hesitant to bring up the experience issue as neither Napoli's nor Dortmund's squads have any more European experience than ours, in fact player for player we have a lot more with experience (Dzeko, Tevez, Aguero, Silva, Garcia, Balo, Yaya, Clichy, Nasri..) and Mancini has more in Europe than a lot of managers, not to mention we've been competing in at least Europa Leage since 2008 where interestingly enough we made it further in that attempt than our last two tries.

Will be interesting see if he can improve the performances, he probably has one more shot next year and if we underachieve again it's probably over like it was at Inter.

I'm hesitant to bring up the experience issue as neither Napoli's nor Dortmund's squads have any more European experience than ours, in fact player for player we have a lot more with experience (Dzeko, Tevez, Aguero, Silva, Garcia, Balo, Yaya, Clichy, Nasri..) and Mancini has more in Europe than a lot of managers, not to mention we've been competing in at least Europa Leage since 2008 where interestingly enough we made it further in that attempt than our last two tries.

Will be interesting see if he can improve the performances, he probably has one more shot next year and if we underachieve again it's probably over like it was at Inter.

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You're right, I remember Silva scoring that amazing goal at Stamford Bridge when he was just a kid. Aguero getting those two against us in Spain when people were saying it was an audition for his move, Toure and the things he did with Barcelona etc.. Tevez has played in the final too. It's not asking alot for these players to know what's expected and to spread it through the squad. Mancini will take the majority of the blame, but it's probably a bit unfair to put it all on him, I agree. City have an incredible squad, the players need to take their fair share of responsibility too.

You think Mancini will be there next year then? I've got a feeling Guardiola could well be taking over. It seems like he's pretty much nailed on to go to City or Chelsea, the infrastructure at City is now in place whilst he sounds keen to work with Oscar, Hazard and Mata. I'll be surprised if he isn't managing one of those 2 next year.

Does last night signal the end for Mancini? Should it signal the the end?

TBH, considering his mind-boggling resources, ie the unlimited funds he's had to draw on, and his utter lack of progress in the CL, I'd trade him in for a Guardiola, or a Mourinho, or may be even a Redknapp (okay, joking a bit, but he did equip himself pretty well with Spurs in the CL), or someone of proven CL pedigree.

Whatever, last night was the first I've really seen of City in Europe this season and (understatement) I thought they were highly disappointing.

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City has a structural problem because its defence is one dimensional. They aren't good enough to defend really successfully at the top European level. Mancini has the same problem that Wenger and Ferguson had when they started out -- how do you create a team that can both win in the Premiership and win in Europe when the demands are so different? It is easy to forget how long it took United and Arsenal to work this out. That said, Mancini's demands for a spending spree won't reassure his owners.

City has a structural problem because its defence is one dimensional. They aren't good enough to defend really successfully at the top European level. Mancini has the same problem that Wenger and Ferguson had when they started out -- how do you create a team that can both win in the Premiership and win in Europe when the demands are so different? It is easy to forget how long it took United and Arsenal to work this out. That said, Mancini's demands for a spending spree won't reassure his owners.

You're right, I remember Silva scoring that amazing goal at Stamford Bridge when he was just a kid. Aguero getting those two against us in Spain when people were saying it was an audition for his move, Toure and the things he did with Barcelona etc.. Tevez has played in the final too. It's not asking alot for these players to know what's expected and to spread it through the squad. Mancini will take the majority of the blame, but it's probably a bit unfair to put it all on him, I agree. City have an incredible squad, the players need to take their fair share of responsibility too.

You think Mancini will be there next year then? I've got a feeling Guardiola could well be taking over. It seems like he's pretty much nailed on to go to City or Chelsea, the infrastructure at City is now in place whilst he sounds keen to work with Oscar, Hazard and Mata. I'll be surprised if he isn't managing one of those 2 next year.

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Pep will go to Chelsea, and Di Matteo will be demoted to second-in-command. Alternatively, Pep could be hired as director of football at Chelsea, which I think would suit him more, especially if he got real work with the youth set-up.

You're right, I remember Silva scoring that amazing goal at Stamford Bridge when he was just a kid. Aguero getting those two against us in Spain when people were saying it was an audition for his move, Toure and the things he did with Barcelona etc.. Tevez has played in the final too. It's not asking alot for these players to know what's expected and to spread it through the squad. Mancini will take the majority of the blame, but it's probably a bit unfair to put it all on him, I agree. City have an incredible squad, the players need to take their fair share of responsibility too.

You think Mancini will be there next year then? I've got a feeling Guardiola could well be taking over. It seems like he's pretty much nailed on to go to City or Chelsea, the infrastructure at City is now in place whilst he sounds keen to work with Oscar, Hazard and Mata. I'll be surprised if he isn't managing one of those 2 next year.

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If City win the league ahead of Chelsea and United this year with both looking so strong then I think he'll deserve to see out his contract and in that amount of time surely the knockout stages would come, whether or not he can get us challenging the top sides from the Spanish or German leagues is another issue, it's not impossible though.

This run of games coming up with Spurs/Chelsea/Everton/United will see where our league form really is and with good performances in those everything could settle down a bit

3-3 at the Emirates then, giving up the second 2-0 lead in less than a week, and missing a penalty with the last kick of the game.

Steve McManaman referred to it as "a great game between two teams fighting for positions anywhere between 10th and 6th place." Having watched all our games this season, I don't think he's far off the mark, though I would think 6th is more realistic. At the moment, we're a typical team in this bracket, capable of scoring goals, but also plagued by inconsistency and the ability to concede easily.

We have some great quality in the squad (a midfield of Wilshere, Arteta and Cazorla could match up against most) and as ever bright future prospects, but there are too many weak links or unfinished parts. We've downgraded from a 30 goal a season 360 degree striker to a promising target man who needs time (i.e a season or two at another PL team) more than anything. The defending is suicidal, whether Santos is there or not. Mannone is obviously the third choice keeper, but he is personally giving the opposition at least one free goal every single match. I don't know what has happened to Aaron Ramsey over the past year, but he now looks like a Championship player struggling at this level. I think our relative fall from grace is best encapsulated by the fact that resigning Walcott is now viewed by Arsenal fans as a desperate priority, whereas 12 months ago most would have been indifferent or been keen to move him on for a modest fee.

Even so, the second half performance was some of the most positive I've seen from us for a while (there was actually some semblance of a tempo, which has been missing for weeks). I'd much rather we were naive, reckless and have a go, than have no life or passion to the team like in recent weeks. I expect to get beaten next week by Spurs unfortunately, but hopefully after that we can start retrenching with the more winnable fixtures between then and January.

3-3 at the Emirates then, giving up the second 2-0 lead in less than a week, and missing a penalty with the last kick of the game.

Steve McManaman referred to it as "a great game between two teams fighting for positions anywhere between 10th and 6th place." Having watched all our games this season, I don't think he's far off the mark, though I would think 6th is more realistic. At the moment, we're a typical team in this bracket, capable of scoring goals, but also plagued by inconsistency and the ability to concede easily.

We have some great quality in the squad (a midfield of Wilshere, Arteta and Cazorla could match up against most) and as ever bright future prospects, but there are too many weak links or unfinished parts. We've downgraded from a 30 goal a season 360 degree striker to a promising target man who needs time (i.e a season or two at another PL team) more than anything. The defending is suicidal, whether Santos is there or not. Mannone is obviously the third choice keeper, but he is personally giving the opposition at least one free goal every single match. I don't know what has happened to Aaron Ramsey over the past year, but he now looks like a Championship player struggling at this level. I think our relative fall from grace is best encapsulated by the fact that resigning Walcott is now viewed by Arsenal fans as a desperate priority, whereas 12 months ago most would have been indifferent or been keen to move him on for a modest fee.

Even so, the second half performance was some of the most positive I've seen from us for a while (there was actually some semblance of a tempo, which has been missing for weeks). I'd much rather we were naive, reckless and have a go, than have no life or passion to the team like in recent weeks. I expect to get beaten next week by Spurs unfortunately, but hopefully after that we can start retrenching with the more winnable fixtures between then and January.

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I think Arsenal would do well to go on a spending spree next month. The board needs to force Arsene to swallow his pride for once, and give him 50-60 million to spend. The goal needs to be to finish top 4. Let him bring in defenders, midfielders, attackers, whomever. The board has to realize that this team is severely lacking in some areas and they are in danger of not qualifying for the Champions League. Should Arsene bring in loads of new talent come January, they might qualify.

Because what I saw this morning, would be downright offensive if I was an Arsenal supporter.

3-3 at the Emirates then, giving up the second 2-0 lead in less than a week, and missing a penalty with the last kick of the game.

Steve McManaman referred to it as "a great game between two teams fighting for positions anywhere between 10th and 6th place." Having watched all our games this season, I don't think he's far off the mark, though I would think 6th is more realistic. At the moment, we're a typical team in this bracket, capable of scoring goals, but also plagued by inconsistency and the ability to concede easily.

We have some great quality in the squad (a midfield of Wilshere, Arteta and Cazorla could match up against most) and as ever bright future prospects, but there are too many weak links or unfinished parts. We've downgraded from a 30 goal a season 360 degree striker to a promising target man who needs time (i.e a season or two at another PL team) more than anything. The defending is suicidal, whether Santos is there or not. Mannone is obviously the third choice keeper, but he is personally giving the opposition at least one free goal every single match. I don't know what has happened to Aaron Ramsey over the past year, but he now looks like a Championship player struggling at this level. I think our relative fall from grace is best encapsulated by the fact that resigning Walcott is now viewed by Arsenal fans as a desperate priority, whereas 12 months ago most would have been indifferent or been keen to move him on for a modest fee.

Even so, the second half performance was some of the most positive I've seen from us for a while (there was actually some semblance of a tempo, which has been missing for weeks). I'd much rather we were naive, reckless and have a go, than have no life or passion to the team like in recent weeks. I expect to get beaten next week by Spurs unfortunately, but hopefully after that we can start retrenching with the more winnable fixtures between then and January.

I think Wenger is the problem, not saying he should go but the board makes the cash available to him and he's hard headed enough to want to do it his way.

City and Utd fans should be excited as the Ox should be fully developed in a year or two and we will be happy to sell at around 20 mil

Cazorla needs a rest and poldi is worn out adjusting to the pl as well. Giroud took the longest to get used to the pace but he was strong like bull today. Good reflex save by schwarzer to deny him his third. Loved when Giroud shrugged off Sidwell like he weighed nothing.

Arteta was crap at both ends today but Walcott looked dangerous.

Almost hoping we get fifth or sixth this year as it will force us to do something.

Still think next week is winnable, maybe bale will need some more personal time.

I think Wenger is the problem, not saying he should go but the board makes the cash available to him and he's hard headed enough to want to do it his way.

City and Utd fans should be excited as the Ox should be fully developed in a year or two and we will be happy to sell at around 20 mil

Cazorla needs a rest and poldi is worn out adjusting to the pl as well. Giroud took the longest to get used to the pace but he was strong like bull today. Good reflex save by schwarzer to deny him his third. Loved when Giroud shrugged off Sidwell like he weighed nothing.

Arteta was crap at both ends today but Walcott looked dangerous.

Almost hoping we get fifth or sixth this year as it will force us to do something.

Still think next week is winnable, maybe bale will need some more personal time.

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I've got hardcore gooner mates and family and they've been disillusioned with Wenger and wanting him out for a good few years now.

Just saw ex-Spurs legend and Dracula look-a-like Berbatov's penalty on MOTD... oooh very nice. BTW, loved the interviewer's post-match cheeky qsn to the funereal Wenger asking if he'd considered buying Dimi in the summer.

The Fellaini to Chelsea rumours are back again, Lampard could be going in January, if not then in the summer.

I'm not sure if he's the right man, although he's a great player. I never really know where he plays, he seems to be all over the pitch but i'd say he's more of a player who plays just off the striker. I can't see Hazard, Mata or Oscar being dropped in favour of Fellaini if i'm honest.

We could be 2 months away from having only 2 midfielders to choose from, Mikel and Ramires. Surely the £30 Million could be spent on getting numbers in the middle.

The Fellaini to Chelsea rumours are back again, Lampard could be going in January, if not then in the summer.

I'm not sure if he's the right man, although he's a great player. I never really know where he plays, he seems to be all over the pitch but i'd say he's more of a player who plays just off the striker. I can't see Hazard, Mata or Oscar being dropped in favour of Fellaini if i'm honest.

We could be 2 months away from having only 2 midfielders to choose from, Mikel and Ramires. Surely the £30 Million could be spent on getting numbers in the middle.

So, yet more ulta-defensiveness from AVB. Begining to wonder quite how much that Man U away victory was a fluke. Can't say I'm looking forward to the impending visit of the gooners, who usually step it up against us. And forgetting that for a second, but I reckon a loss or two more against a mid-low level PL side such as happened with Wigan, well, AVB will be up to his eye-balls in pressure.

PL chairmen please note: it definitely doesn't help anything when the fans are highly, even bitterly, opposed to the managers right from the start.

I'm still trying to work out what Liverpool were doing for an hour today, playing 5 at the back and passing it around between them was a bit strange.

Everyone knows we struggle against teams who look to attack, as Oscar, Mata and Hazard aren't the best at getting back and defending. When they started to go for it, Liverpool looked far more dangerous.

Still, the Suarez goal shouldn't of counted after the blatant push on Ramires. He was lucky to be on the pitch too after the reckless challenge on Ramires earlier in the game, then he played the man, not the ball with Ivanovic to win a corner, both were easily yellow cards.

I'm still trying to work out what Liverpool were doing for an hour today, playing 5 at the back and passing it around between them was a bit strange.

Everyone knows we struggle against teams who look to attack, as Oscar, Mata and Hazard aren't the best at getting back and defending. When they started to go for it, Liverpool looked far more dangerous.

Still, the Suarez goal shouldn't of counted after the blatant push on Ramires. He was lucky to be on the pitch too after the reckless challenge on Ramires earlier in the game, then he played the man, not the ball with Ivanovic to win a corner, both were easily yellow cards.

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Same from Tottenham, got a goal ahead from a set piece (surprise surprise) then sit back for literally the entire game and just hoof it to Ade when they did win possession, and no striker's going to get much joy going 1 on 1 against Kompany that way. Thought AVB would take 'arry's attacking style and make it more expansive with stronger midfield but doesn't seem to be the case..though I read they have a 100% record with Dembele starting and an abysmal record without so he could be the difference for them.

Also Suarez should have been banned a few weeks ago for that stamp on an Everton player, shame he's so talented

Same from Tottenham, got a goal ahead from a set piece (surprise surprise) then sit back for literally the entire game and just hoof it to Ade when they did win possession, and no striker's going to get much joy going 1 on 1 against Kompany that way. Thought AVB would take 'arry's attacking style and make it more expansive with stronger midfield but doesn't seem to be the case..though I read they have a 100% record with Dembele starting and an abysmal record without so he could be the difference for them.

Also Suarez should have been banned a few weeks ago for that stamp on an Everton player, shame he's so talented

and this was funny

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I think it's good that both AVB and Rodgers came out and said they went at it in the wrong way, Rodgers especially. Chelsea are very good at pressing high up, especially in the big games. Against Arsenal and Spurs it was arguably what won us both those games. Being defensive and playing the ball around the defence was crazy, Ramires, Oscar, Hazard, Mata and Torres were winning it back for fun for the first hour or so.

Suarez is a great player, for sure. If the referee lets him get away with 2 challenges that were yellow cards, and the not so subtle shove before the goal then good luck to him!

Re the form of Spurs and their management - and re Villa, Liverpool and Swansea - the key word still has to be patience.

Frustrating though, and as the saying goes, the unpopular AVB leaves himself as a hostage to fortune when we lose to the likes of Wigan at home (losses to City and Chelsea are different). I'd also point out that new signings, Siggi and Dempsey, haven't wowed the fans at all (I'm with them on that), and players like Gallas, Walker and Huddlestone, to varying degrees, have also put in some p*** poor showings.

I had a jokey dig a few posts back about why Wenger didn't go in for Berbatov in the summer as they could so do with a player of his talents. Well, I could easily say the same of course re AVB and Spurs.

Re the form of Spurs and their management - and re Villa, Liverpool and Swansea - the key word still has to be patience.

Frustrating though, and as the saying goes, the unpopular AVB leaves himself as a hostage to fortune when we lose to the likes of Wigan at home (losses to City and Chelsea are different). I'd also point out that new signings, Siggi and Dempsey, haven't wowed the fans at all (I'm with them on that), and players like Gallas, Walker and Huddlestone, to varying degrees, have also put in some p*** poor showings.

I had a jokey dig a few posts back about why Wenger didn't go in for Berbatov in the summer as they could so do with a player of his talents. Well, I could easily say the same of course re AVB and Spurs.

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I think alot of people are wishing they had gone for Berbatov at the moment

He would of done well at Chelsea I think, although Torres and Sturridge are sulky enough as it is, 3 of them might be a bit much!

I had a jokey dig a few posts back about why Wenger didn't go in for Berbatov in the summer as they could so do with a player of his talents. Well, I could easily say the same of course re AVB and Spurs.

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Berba was outstanding on Saturday: silky smooth is the phrase that comes to mind. Probably the buy of the summer.

I will say that we didn't buy him for the same reason that Fergie likely got rid of him. Talented as he is, the slows down the play. Similar to Ruud v N a few years back. Ruud could bang in the goals but he slowed Utd's play down.

Like Nasri for France this past summer, he always dropped the pace just when Benzema wanted it quicker.

Well, you guys squandered 3-4 golden chances, Suarez goal would have been an afterthought.

1st half - torres fired a shot, saved by jones, rebound to hazard and he mishit the volley way wide. Mata's one on one with jones, with so much pitch in front of him, chose to go high instead of taking the ball closer.

2nd half - torres mistimed a header from freekick by mata. oscar free kick to torres, torres header saved by jones, frenzy in front of goal, ball landed right front of mikel, mikel tried to shoot, MISSED THE BALL COMPLETELY (this is the play where gerrard laid hurt at goalline).

Glad to see BR sub Suso for Sahin. Suso playing behind Suarez started to hold up play better and became more attack minded, too good of a young talent to play in the wing.

Well, you guys squandered 3-4 golden chances, Suarez goal would have been an afterthought.

1st half - torres fired a shot, saved by jones, rebound to hazard and he mishit the volley way wide. Mata's one on one with jones, with so much pitch in front of him, chose to go high instead of taking the ball closer.

2nd half - torres mistimed a header from freekick by mata. oscar free kick to torres, torres header saved by jones, frenzy in front of goal, ball landed right front of mikel, mikel tried to shoot, MISSED THE BALL COMPLETELY (this is the play where gerrard laid hurt at goalline).

Glad to see BR sub Suso for Sahin. Suso playing behind Suarez started to hold up play better and became more attack minded, too good of a young talent to play in the wing.

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We certainly did miss alot of chances, Oscar had one early on that he blasted over too. I think the lack of a clinical finisher is a problem. Torres last year complained that the team was set up for Drogba, great players should be able to make things work for them no matter what, but maybe he had a point. This year the 3 creative players behind him are there to put chances on a plate for Torres. Unfortunately he doesn't have what it takes to make things out of them, his footballing brain seems too slow to connect with what these young geniuses want to do.

Can you imagine someone like Aguero working with those 3? It would be crazy. It goes to show really how sometimes spending a bit more than you would like on a player who is seriously needed can save you alot of money in the long run. We didn't want to give Aguero £200,000 a week, instead we let him go and ended up having to panic buy Torres for £20 Million more than Aguero would of cost, oh and we're paying him an extra £50,000 a week.

We certainly did miss alot of chances, Oscar had one early on that he blasted over too. I think the lack of a clinical finisher is a problem. Torres last year complained that the team was set up for Drogba, great players should be able to make things work for them no matter what, but maybe he had a point. This year the 3 creative players behind him are there to put chances on a plate for Torres. Unfortunately he doesn't have what it takes to make things out of them, his footballing brain seems too slow to connect with what these young geniuses want to do.

Can you imagine someone like Aguero working with those 3? It would be crazy. It goes to show really how sometimes spending a bit more than you would like on a player who is seriously needed can save you alot of money in the long run. We didn't want to give Aguero £200,000 a week, instead we let him go and ended up having to panic buy Torres for £20 Million more than Aguero would of cost, oh and we're paying him an extra £50,000 a week.

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It is going to be an interesting January. If Roman shells out the $ and get 2 quality strikers, that would be the end of FT. Who is going to shell out the weekly wages for him let alone the transfer fee for a soon to be 29 year old?

It is going to be an interesting January. If Roman shells out the $ and get 2 quality strikers, that would be the end of FT. Who is going to shell out the weekly wages for him let alone the transfer fee for a soon to be 29 year old?

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He's saying he won't go for Falcao as the price is too high, which is rubbish. It will possibly be Schurrle and/or Remy, which don't really inspire me.

As for where Torres will go, Italy possibly? It's slower and he might fancy playing in another top league before he gets too old, Juventus have been interested in the past. Maybe even back to Atletico to replace Falcao next summer, i'm sure he would take a huge wage cut to be back there.

He's saying he won't go for Falcao as the price is too high, which is rubbish. It will possibly be Schurrle and/or Remy, which don't really inspire me.

As for where Torres will go, Italy possibly? It's slower and he might fancy playing in another top league before he gets too old, Juventus have been interested in the past. Maybe even back to Atletico to replace Falcao next summer, i'm sure he would take a huge wage cut to be back there.

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What about Cavani? I thought chelsea would go in hard again for him since roman siad falcao is too much $. But i see cavani being linked with arsenal now....